switch Statement

Compares a value against multiple case labels and runs the code block for the matching case.

Part of: JavaScript Coding without HTML and CSS — Module 18

Understanding switch Statement in JavaScript

What it does: break exits the switch once a matching case has run. default is the fallback case in a switch statement. switch checks the value against each case in turn. A case label is written as case value:. JavaScript is case-sensitive, so 'switch' must be lowercase. Without break, execution continues into the next case block. The value being checked goes inside switch ( ). Case labels always use a colon, never a semicolon.

Common mistakes: 'switch' is misspelled as 'swich'. Missing the opening parenthesis before day.

Class: _____________________ · Name: _____________________ · Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 11–25) and word search (Modules 1–29).

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Learning

Duo

Does switch compare a value against multiple case labels?

YesNo

Matches

case 1

↓

Wrong - case labels need a colon after the value

Applying

Meanings

Term

switch

Meaning

Compares a value against multiple case labels and runs the code block for the matching case.

Practice

let day = 3;

Testing

Gaps

(day) {

Check Answer

Spots

1swich (day) {

2case 1:

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Quick Questions

1. Does switch compare a value against multiple case labels?

A. Yes ✓

B. No

switch checks the value against each case in turn.

2. Does each case label end with a colon?

A. Yes ✓

B. No

A case label is written as case value:.

3. Is 'Switch' with a capital S valid JavaScript syntax?

A. No ✓

B. Yes

JavaScript is case-sensitive, so 'switch' must be lowercase.

4. Does break stop the code from running into the next case?

A. No

B. Yes ✓

Without break, execution continues into the next case block.

5. Does switch put the value to compare inside parentheses?

A. No

B. Yes ✓

The value being checked goes inside switch ( ).

Match the Pairs

switch (day) { → Compares day against each case label

case 3: → Matches when the switch value equals 3

Stops the code from falling into the next case → break;

Runs when no case value matches → default:

case 1 → Wrong - case labels need a colon after the value

Break; → Wrong - 'break' must be lowercase

Key Term

switch

Compares a value against multiple case labels and runs the code block for the matching case.

Fill in the Blanks

1. switch (day) {

Hint: Type the keyword that starts a switch statement.

2. case 1: console.log("Monday"); break;

Hint: Type the keyword that stops the code falling into the next case.

3. case 2: console.log("Two"); break;

Hint: Type the value this case matches.

4. default: console.log("Fallback");

Hint: Type the keyword used as the fallback case.

5. case 5: console.log("Five"); break;

Hint: Type the keyword that stops the code falling into the next case.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A swich (day) {

B case 1:

C break;

Line A — 'switch' is misspelled as 'swich'.

Question 2

A switch day) {

B case 2:

C break;

Line A — Missing the opening parenthesis before day.

Question 3

A switch (day) {

B case 1

C break;

Line B — Case labels need a colon after the value: case 1:.

Question 4

A switch (num) {

B case 5;

C break;

Line B — Case labels use a colon :, not a semicolon ;.

Question 5

A switch (x) {

B case 1:

C Break;

Line C — 'break' must be lowercase - a capital B causes an error.

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